BTMA Remanufacturing and Safety Forum 2025: Key Insights for a Sustainable Future

The BTMA Remanufacturing and Safety Forum 2025 brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the evolving landscape of commercial and remanufactured tyres. With a focus on market trends, regulatory changes, and sustainability, the event highlighted the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sector.

Navigating Market Changes: A Decade of Evolution

The forum kicked off with reflections on the last decade, led by Darren Lindsey, CEO of BTMA, and Alex Van Gerlderen of ETRMA. They discussed the transformation of the UK and European tyre markets, noting how they experienced steady growth before 2019, followed by a decline due to the pandemic. Today, cost efficiency and supply chain resilience are top priorities as the industry recovers and adapts to new global dynamics.

Remanufactured Tyres: Challenges and Opportunities

A key focus was the decline in the remanufactured tyre segment, which once made up over 35% of replacement tyre sales but has since dropped below 25%. The rise of low-cost tyres from China, along with misconceptions about safety and quality, have impacted this market. However, there’s good news: advances in remanufacturing technology and stronger regulatory standards are helping to reinvigorate the sector, positioning remanufactured tyres as both a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.

Reframing the Conversation: The Power of Language

Emma Burley of BTMA highlighted how important language is in shaping perceptions. Referring to tyres as “remanufactured” instead of “retreaded” can help improve their image, aligning with circular economy principles and boosting trust among fleet operators and regulators. This shift in terminology is crucial for encouraging broader market acceptance and policy support.

Transparency and Regulation: A Clearer Future

The forum also focused on the importance of regulatory changes, with Brian Barron from Vaculug discussing new European measures for mandatory tyre labelling. These regulations aim to provide clearer information about performance, safety, and environmental impact, allowing fleet operators to make better-informed decisions. The BTMA strongly supports these initiatives to improve market transparency and uphold high standards.

Global Trade Pressures and the UK’s Response

Liam Dickinson from Gregorys Transport shed light on how cheaper, single-life tyres from China are affecting the UK’s remanufacturing industry. While these tyres offer short-term savings, their limited lifespan raises questions about their long-term cost-effectiveness and sustainability. In response, the UK’s Trade Remedies Authority has introduced measures, including anti-dumping duties, to protect domestic manufacturing and ensure fair competition.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Sustainable Growth

As the forum wrapped up, the conversation turned to the future. Key priorities for the remanufactured tyre sector include advocating for robust policy incentives, promoting high safety and quality standards, and fostering deeper engagement with fleet operators to highlight the long-term cost benefits of remanufactured tyres. Collaboration, transparent labelling, and international cooperation will also play a crucial role in driving innovation and market competitiveness.

A Stronger, Sustainable Future

The 2025 BTMA Remanufacturing and Safety Forum underscored the tyre industry’s resilience and its commitment to sustainability. By embracing innovation, advancing transparent standards, and reframing the conversation around “remanufactured” tyres, the sector can continue to evolve and contribute to a safer, more sustainable future for commercial transport.

Thank you to all who participated in making this event insightful and forward-thinking. We look forward to continuing these important conversations in the year ahead.